FM #567: Finance Committee "unequivocally" approves Maple Hill purchase plan (audio)

FM #567 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 567 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on June 16, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee, Town Administration personnel, and some members of the public were in the Council Chambers, the remainder were remote via the Zoom conference bridge.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda and to my notes from the meeting. 

The meeting recording runs almost 1 hour so let’s listen to the Finance Committee of June 16

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/004489cb-f552-4966-972d-de16819c830d

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Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-16-21_fincom_agenda.pdf

Right of first refusal summary

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-finance-committee-unequivocally.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit www.Franklinmatters.org/     or www.franklin.news/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Recap: Community Preservation Committee votes 9-0 to approve 'right of first refusal' option 1 to purchase Maple Hill

Quick Recap:

• The Community Preservation Committee listened to the overview of the right of first refusal presentation previously provided to the Town Council and Finance Committee.
• Clarification on the CPA funds of conservatively $1.3M per year expected of which about $200k/year would be used for this purchase. This still leaves about $1.1M for other uses and helps our commitment of 10% for open space (per CPA requirements)
• There will be a longer term plan for the development of the property for recreation space. The Town staff had not yet put the plan together in the short time for this approval process. They are working on it and it will be presented later for discussion and approval. Where the funds come from (operations or CPA) remains to be determined
• Public access and parking one of the key questions to be addressed. Currently, there is no access to the property from Maple St, limited access is from the neighboring areas. How much parking and where is a key question. 

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 

Photos captured during the meeting, shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/faxfnWxyioZYWiVx6

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #cpc0617
https://twitter.com/hashtag/cpc0617?src=hashtag_click

• 3rd of the series of public hearings on the Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' coming up at 5 PM with the scheduled Community Preservation Committee meeting. They do need to recommend for the TC 2 take action. Agenda doc/Zoom info -> https://franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/events/330126 #cpc0617
  
• Meeting opens, Minutes for approval, second, passes 9-0 Discussion on committee tour of places where requests may be applied for. #cpc0617
  
• Tour with sign up sheet for Sep seems to be consensus. #cpc0617 likely to be open house for sites at same time. Next up, right of first refusal for Maple Hill property.
  
• TA Jamie Hellen provides overview of the proposal doc shown to Town Council and finance committee #cpc0617 in case needed, you can find here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf 
  
• One of the open space slides #cpc0617
  
• Key slide with the three options being explained on how to buy the property. #cpc0617
  
• Key summary slide of the options with recommendation for purchase option 1 #cpc0617
  
• Motion to approve option 1, seconded. Discussion. Clarification on the CPA funds of 1.3m per year expected of which 200k/year would be used for this. Still leaves plenty for other uses and helps our commitment of 10% for open space. #cpc0617
  
• There will be a longer term plan for the development of the property for recreation space, whether the funds also come from operations or CPA remains a question to be decided. #cpc0617
  
• After discussion, roll call vote, passes 9-0. #cpc0617
  
• Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 #cpc0617 

Audio file to be available in couple of days 

votes 9-0 to approve 'right of first refusal' option 1 to purchase Maple Hill

Recap: Finance Committee "unequivocally" approves Maple Hill purchase plan

Quick Recap:

• After reviewing the Maple Hill proposal, asking some clarification questions, the Finance Committee 'unequivocally' approved of executing the right of first refusal for Option 1.
• The Committee also approved two other financial transactions scheduled to come to the Town Council. 1 - for some transfers to fund the zoning study and 2 - utilization of some of the Fletcher funds for a bunch of recreation improvements
• Interesting question on the housing authority and what could be done after the second fire (first at Central Park Terrace, second at Winter St). Both properties and their funding is under State control, the Town has no control.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #fincom0616
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0616&src=typeahead_click 

• Getting ready for the Finance Committee meeting, back in the Municipal Bldg for this meeting first time in almost forever https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-16-21_fincom_agenda.pdf #fincom0616
• Chair Dowd opens meeting #fincom0616
• Motion to accept prior meeting may 19, seconded, passes 9-0 #fincom0616
• TA Jamie Hellen provides a recap of the proposal sharing the summary doc from the Town Council meeting last week. #fincom0616
• 5 years ago ToF had no money for open space, had to turn down two first refusal in 2017, and now have the funding with options available to make a decision. #fincom0616
• Multiple wins with the proposal; sold sewer beds to buy good forest, can use the 1.5m from sale as down payment, finance the balance with CPA funds of about $200k/year. #fincom0616
• Right of first refusal applies to chap 60/61 property classifications. Owner gets a break on the tax rate each year of ownership, in return Town gets the right of first refusal with a action time of 120 days. #fincom0616
• Q on rollback doesn't apply to Town, would apply to another purchaser if using as nonfarm. Maintenance costs would be minimal and not included in this purchase. Those potentially could be funded from future CPA projects #fincom0616 could Franklin do it's own ->
• Emerald necklace and connect properties together. #fincom0616 with the low interest rate, it makes the town standing more flexible IF something else came along. If we did use open space funds, then what would we have?
• #fincom0616 to "unequivocally" endorse the right of first refusal as proposed, seconded, passes 9-0
• Proposal for debt stabilization fund, to have a target of 2% and not use more than 50% in any one time of use; simple proposal, only a target and a use cap. #fincom0616 passes 9-0
• Fletcher fund proposed to be used for approx $90k, looking for financial support to move to the Town Council for approval. Youth sports orgs would use and benefits from these expenses, for expenses on town property #fincom0616 motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
• FY 2021 budget adjustments, transfer req'd for town council approval, #fincom0616 to recommend $71k transfers in first case, and $130k for rezoning analysis. Using the capital approach for a financial perspective to allow flexibility on transactions
• Motion to approve 2134, seconded, passes 9-0 #fincom0616 Motion to approve 2135, seconded, passes 9-0 Future agenda items housing authority is not under Town authority, nominations for Board but that all. Comm of MA is responsible
• Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 Staying here for the Economic Development subcommittee meeting at 7 PM. #fincom0616

Recap: Finance Committee approves Maple Hill purchase plan

Community Preservation Committee: Agenda - June 17, 2021

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 17, 2021 - 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd Floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

The public will be permitted to enter the building to participate in person.

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes for a. May 18, 2021

2. Historical Tours Date Discussion

3. Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 70 Acres of Land off Maple Street approved as “Maple Hill” Definitive Residential Subdivision. Discussion and vote on recommending use of CPA funding for purchase to the Town Council

Maple Hill public hearing doc   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/6._web_rofr_hearing.pdf

Maple Hearing summary presentation to Town Council - June 9, 2021

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf

Agenda doc with remote connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-17-21_cpc_agenda.pdf

Community Preservation Committee: Agenda - June 17, 2021

FM #566 - Talk Franklin - 06/11/21 "What's a giphy channel?" (audio)

FM #566 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 566 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

Pop Shop grants, one shop open, one coming soon

What’s a giphy channel?

 

Maple Hill ‘right of first refusal’ 

Public hearings, FinCom, Community Preservation Committee

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.

** Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/62aec4ea-3cf1-42d2-b9c5-8d4ee2c92b65

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Pop Shop Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development/pages/pop-shop-franklin

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/first-pop-shop-franklin-site-opens-with.html 

Town Council agenda document folder

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-9-21_town_council_agenda_1.pdf

The proposal summary and details on the 'right of first refusal' can be found in this document https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #566 - Talk Franklin - 06/11/21 "What's a giphy channel?" (audio)

FM #563-564 - Town Council Mtg - 06/09/21 P1: Maple Hill public hearing P2: remainder of meeting (audio)

FM #563-564 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 563-564 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder were remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost 2 and a half hour meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening with 2 recognitions, 2 licenses transactions and then the public hearing on the Maple Hill right of first refusal (~1:23 mins)

• Second - covers the legislation for action and the balance of the meeting (~1:05 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this meeting. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of June 9, 2021

Part 1 ->   https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ebf7ceae-313a-42b7-b12b-08f014dc7a78

Part 2 ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fe18f7cd-d8e0-4229-8251-40742d48c246

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Agenda document folder - > https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-9-21_town_council_agenda_1.pdf

The proposal summary and details on the 'right of first refusal' can be found in this document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf

My notes from the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-town-council-on-maple-hill-right.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit www.Franklinmatters.org   or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #563-564 - Town Council Mtg - 06/09/21

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 16, 2021

Finance Committee Meeting 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

June 16th, 2021 = 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

The public will be permitted to enter the building to participate in person.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 70 Acres of Land off Maple Street approved as “Maple Hill” Definitive Residential Subdivision:

a. Cover Memo and Purchase & Sale Agreement: (

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/6._web_rofr_hearing.pdf)

i. Notice of intent to sell land for residential use off Maple Street

b. Open Space Presentation - April 6th, 2021 CPC Meeting  (

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/open_space_presentation_update_4-6-2021.pdf)

c. 2016 Town of Franklin Open Space Plan  

(https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/updated_osrp.pdf)

d. Financials

e. Town Administrator Presentation to Town Council June 9, 2021  (

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf)

5. Budget Stabilization Policy Discussion
6. Fletcher Fund Expenditures
7. FY21 Budget Update
8. Future Agenda Items
9. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-16-21_fincom_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 16, 2021